I was at a networking event last night and the topic of burgers came up. I mentioned how Kopp’s has the BEST butter burgers anywhere in my opinion. Someone replied (and this was in the Chicago area), “You mean not Culver’s?” My heart raced. I started a cold sweat.

“No, not Culver’s.”

The Kopp’s butter burger starts with the bun. It’s the perfect bun-to-meat ratio. Their huge slabs of burger fill the bun up. I hate those wimpy burgers that don’t even come close to the sides of the bun. Then, they have this cheese. I don’t know what it is because it’s not quite American and it’s not quite cheddar but it melts perfectly. It stays congealed to the burger in a way that I haven’t seen replicated anywhere and I have tried it at home to no success. I don’t think they steam their cheese to get it to the proper consistency so I would love to know what they do.

I also don’t like a burger with a bunch of a toppings. Gimme some cheese and a few pickles and I’m golden. I’m not one for slathering on ketchup, mustard, fried onion, the entire garden and then whatever happens to be in the fridge, too. Sometimes I will step out of my little comfort box and get a burger with ‘shrooms and Swiss or A-1 and sauteed mushrooms, but that’s about as far as I go. Sometimes…and this is when I get really crazy…I indulge in a veggie burger. Yea, I know how to live it up.

There’s been this huge movement in Milwaukee lately to see who has the best burger. Travel Channel’s Food Wars even filmed an episode here between Sobelman’s and AJ Bombers. I’ve only been to Sobelman’s so I can’t give a true account of which one would win in the episode. Find out in a few weeks when the episode finally airs who the true King of Burgerdom is in Brew City.

But honestly, my favorite burger in Milwaukee is Kopps. I know this is a sensitive topic for many and it gets heated. There are people out there who say Solly’s Grille with their true butter burgers – the ones that make my husband’s limbs buzz. There’s Mazo’s – which is just as much about experience. When you park in the back lot and walk through the alley, you’re greeted with the warm and inviting smell of grilled burger topped with goodness. The small luncheonette area takes you back 30 years with its formica countertops, small booths and collegial spirit. There’s Five Guys – a relative newcomer to the area and a chain – that has brought it’s huge burgers with all-the-toppings-you-could-want included and ginormous portions of fries. Elsa’s, Hooligan’s, Bella’s Fat Cat, Leff’s Lucky Town, Kelly’s Bleachers…the list goes on and on.

So, what makes the perfect burger for you? If you don’t see an option below that you like, submit a comment in the section under the post. I’d love to hear what you think makes the perfect burger!